New York, NY--- The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will produce its first-ever Texas event next year, scheduled for Houston the weekend of April 12-13, 2008*. The event series, which launched five years ago, is produced by the Avon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. The Avon Foundation is already a major supporter of breast cancer organizations and programs throughout Texas, but this is the first time an Avon Walk will take place in the state.

“We are excited to join forces with Texans to raise essential funds for research and access to care, both here in the state and across the country,” said Carol Kurzig, Avon Foundation Executive Director. “Many Texans have taken part in our past Avon Walks, and we look forward to bringing the event to Texas and together creating a successful Avon Walk that will make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

Avon Walks are noncompetitive events which offer participants of all fitness levels a choice of walking a marathon (26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. After completing the first part of their journey on a Saturday, participants camp out overnight at “Wellness Village,” complete with hot meals, entertainment and comprehensive support services. The next day, a Sunday, walkers complete the final 13.1 miles of their journey, after which local grants are announced during a moving and celebratory Closing Ceremony. The route of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Houston is still in development.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series currently includes eight cities, and from 2003 through 2006 the Avon Walk series raised more than $150 million. Funds are awarded by the Avon Foundation to advance access to care and finding a cure through the support of five areas: awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research. The Avon Foundation has already awarded nearly $5.8 million in funding for breast cancer programs in Texas, including grants to: the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, the Baylor College of Medicine, the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, the Texas Tech University of Health Science Center, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The 2007 Avon Walks are: Washington, DC (May 5-6); Boston, (May 19-20); Chicago (June 2-3); Denver (June 23-24); San Francisco (July 7-8); Los Angeles (Sept.15-16); New York (Oct. 6-7); Charlotte, (Oct. 20-21).

For more information visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-800-510-WALK.